2008 Aprilia SMV750 Dorsoduro, first launch report & video!
I am now back from the outskirts of Rome at the Aprilia Dorsoduro launch. The new Aprilia street supermoto is aimed at the true hooligans amongst us and there's no soft approaches to the concept. For that you've got the Shiver. The white version we first saw at the Milan show is destined to become the Factory version. Now Aprilia offers the Dorsoduro in Black, Silver and red first. There'll be an update number 2 soon... Tor Sagen
Just arrived back from the international launch of the SL750 Shiver in Italy. First impressions are that of a very much Italian naked motorcycle. Chassis, suspension and brakes are all of the very best'ish (because there's a Factory version coming off course...) quality. The Ride by wire system is a first on a naked mainstream motorcycle and actually more advanced than on the Yamaha R6... 2 ECU units, one slave for the other with safety features that should be bullet-proof and a powerful computer provides torque at all times. At a UK retail price of around £5.500 the Shiver should be able to make the Japanese competition Shiver indeed! Everything about the bike, pictures, videos and much more coming next... Raptors & Rockets knows about three different projects deriving from the Shiver (we've already told you about one that was a scoop) and then you've got the SL1200... Oh, and did I mention that we have got top secret and very exclusive information about the V4 race bike too... Coming soon... Tor
2008 Aprilia SMV750 Motard
The next project for the new V90 Shiver platform will be a big supermoto, Ducati Hypermotard style.
I asked my Aprilia factory insider whether Aprilia would use the V60 engine in such a project, but was then told that Aprilia will use the V90 750cc engine from the new SL 750 Shiver as it suits such a bike better according to Aprilia. Aprilia are also considering a version of the Shiver with fairing. My source also told me that the SL 750 Shiver could have been called the Tuono 750, but since the styling is new Aprilia chose to call it Shiver. Aprilia also confirmed that there will be no small Tuono in the future. My source wishes to be anonymous but my suspicions are that Aprilia might have developed at least a 1000cc version of the SL 750 90 degree V-twin
Performance wise I am not sure whether this engine can top the current RSV1000 V60 already, but if Aprilia have boosted the engine size to around 1200cc this engine could probably be used also in a new RSV. Aprilia's only comment to this is that the firm will continue with V2 (not specified whether it would be V60 or V90...) and V4 engines. That brings us to the V4 superbike again. My source tells me that the development is on schedule. So much on schedule that the bike will race in 2008. But only race as the roadbike has been delayed at least one year. Aprilia will show us the race bike when it is ready, most likely at the 2007 Eicma exhibition in Milan, but no roadbike until earliest 2008. This again could hint at an all new RSV R roadbike for next year. By: Tor Sagen/CG work: Luc1 and Robert O'Brien
We will attend the SL 750 Shiver world launch in mid May and Mana 850 in late July this year.
Scoop: Aprilia has its own Hypermotard!
Based on the soon to be launched, SL 750 Shiver, Aprilia have already designed its own super sized supermoto. It will get the new 90 degree V-twin engine from Shiver and we believe a big-bore version is just around the corner... We have more exclusive info on this to be published later. We will test the new SL 750 Shiver in May at the world launch. By: Tor Sagen
Big things are brewing in Europe. The union between countries called the European union are just small fish compared to what might happen in the motorcycling industry. KTM has been married to Polaris industries from the USA for a while. We hear of a possible separation where custody of the children are being discussed now. By June next year KTM could find itself a new partner. After Piaggio relaunched Aprilia and then launched a extensive offroad programme to threaten KTM's dominance in the offroad sector, another potential partnership have risen from the dark forests of Germany. We spotted BMW-Motorrad's Dr. Herbert Diess in close conversation with the flamboyant head of Italian beauty MV Agusta at the EICMA show in Milan last Autumn. It seems that Claudio Castiglioni and Dr. Herbert Diess had plenty to talk about. When asked for a picture the two influential characters split up straight away. Dr. Diess told me that he was afraid there could be speculations. This is the story of the beauty and the beast retold and now we have to mention this encounter in this setting. Could it really be that the maker of big and brute Boxer's fancies its chances with the petite and beautiful Husqvarna? We bet, and if not we're sure Polaris wouldn't mind a flirt after the KTM cool-down. More on this story as it develops. We have arranged interviews with all involved parties. Watch this space!
2008 World Superbike dreams 1-Aprilia V4 999 Prototype 0
The Aprilia V4 project utilizes a brand new V4 999cc engine destined both for world superbike and the road. The V4 will be Aprilia’s first ever four cylinder motorcycle. Already now at the very beginning of the project Aprilia stipulates a max power of more than 210hp from the superbike version. Aprilia surprised everyone when it last threw itself into World Superbike racing with the RSV Mille by being competitive and winning races in the first year. The new V4 project is a different ballgame and the engine is completely designed in-house. But in many ways, Aprilia have got more racing heritage to its name than Ducati. Not in world superbikes, but on the GP tracks with 125’s and 250’s. The RS Cube MotoGP project failed big time for Aprilia and almost run the company off the map financially. The triple engine had more than enough power, but was virtually unrideable. So Aprilia are now trying again with a new engine in World Superbike. You might speculate that Aprilia chose the V4 999cc engine to gain experience in the V4 format and perhaps also be able to produce an 800cc version for future MotoGP glories.
The 65 degree V4 was also chosen to utilize Aprilia’s extensive know how in producing a race chassis around narrow V-engines. The new V4 is even more compact than the current V60 used in the RSV models. Aprilia will use fly-by-wire technology with wiring never seen on any motorcycle before. The fuel management system is very advanced where servo motors only operate its own row of cylinders throttle bodies. This has been done to optimise high power engine management. This is needed when the V4 spins around at a maximum 13.500rpm.
Aprilia recently started testing of the new engines in a new chassis. The bike is called Prototype 0. This is the very first shakedown test of the engine after bench testing under realistic conditions on a roadracing circuit. The rest of that prototype is basically a modified RSV 1000R. The bike will be shown with final design and chassis at the 2007 EICMA show in Milan. Words: Tor Sagen/CG: Robert O'Brien/Photo-CAD: Aprilia
65 degree V4 999cc with 210bhp+
V4 superbike engine-The new V4 engine was presented at the EICMA show. The details Aprilia released are as follows: projected to produce more than 210bhp @ 13.500rpm, 999cc, 65degree V4, 4 titanium and nymonic valves per cylinder, six-speed cassette type gearbox and fly-by-wire ready ECU from Magnet Marelli. Aprilia will start testing of the engine in a brand new chassis this spring and the first finished version should be on show at next years EICMA show for a 2008 attack on the World Superbike crown.
2007 Aprilia SL 750 Shiver
SL 750 Shiver-Aprilia had everyone that thought they would launch a Tuono 750 fooled and the name of the new 750 is Shiver. The bike features a brand new V90 engine that produces a claimed 95bhp @ 9.000rpm and 81Nm @ 7.000rpm. The frame is a mixed trellis/aluminium construction and dry weight 189kg. The Shiver is aimed at getting new customers to the brand and fills a big hole left by the RS250.
2007 Aprilia NA 850 Mana
NA 850 Mana-Not only a 750 was new because Aprilia also had a new 850 on show. The Mana 850 features an automatic gearbox. But the good thing is that you can switch to sequential gearing whenever you want by pushing a button. You can then either use push buttons or the gear pedal as usual. The new 850 has a seven speed gearbox, 90 degree V-twin engine that puts out around 75bhp and 76Nm of torque. Under the tank there’s room for a helmet or other items you’d usually need a scooter or big tourer to carry.
2007 Aprilia Pegaso 650 Factory
The Pegaso have been upgraded with new wired wheels and top suspension in the new Pegaso 650 Factory.
2007 Aprilia RS125 Fortuna race replica
The RS 125 gets some replica paint in 2007.
2007 Aprilia Tuono & RSV1000 R Factory
The Tuono Factory and RSV 1000R Factory was also on show along with a few new colours on models such as the Tuono R (Blue).
This naked bike features a 850cc automatic scooter engine. We believe the engine produces around 70bhp. Sounds like fun. The official launch of pictures and material is at the EICMA show in Milan 14th November.
Aprilia wants people to have fun on the Pegaso and here is one that might be even funnier than the standard version. We don't know exactly why yet.
2007 Aprilia RS125 Fortuna race replica
The RS 125 gets some replica paint in 2007.
2007 Aprilia Tuono R Factory
Aprilia have already launched the Factory, but it looks like there will be a version with a more neutral colour on the frame too.
2007 Aprilia 650 Factory
This picture shows a new version of the Pegaso 650 with new wheels and paint. More details as we get them in. There's also news about a 2007 race replica RS125 with Fortuna paint job. TS
After finishing the RXV/SXV V-twin enduro and supermoto bikes the Aprilia engineers turned around to concentrate 100% on the biggest Aprilia project ever since the RS3 Cube MotoGP bike. This time the project is World Superbike glory in 2008. The tool for the job is not the RSV-R V60 anymore, but a spanking new V4 1000cc superbike. This will be a very high end bike that will feature groundbreaking technology, very high max power output and glorious design. Our Aprilia spokesperson starts to hyperventilate every time I ask him about the project, but it has been confirmed that we will not see the bike at this years EICMA Exhibition in Milan. 2008 is the year, but we might start seeing pictures of the bike being track tested during 2007. Perhaps even wildcard entries on the racetracks around the world or in the Italian superbike series to measure progress. It will be the first ever Aprilia four cylinder motorcycle and expect MV Agusta prices and design and R1 performance. Aprilia wants to win races straight away and the engineers are now working 24/7 to make sure they do so in 2008. CG by Robert O’Brien
Aprilia will show us the brand new V4 engine destined for the 2008 Superbike at the EICMA show. Aprilia will also provide more technical details about the project for the first time. But only the engine itself, designed by Aprilia, will be on show. Design, chassis etc will remain a secret a little longer.
Aprilia is finishing the development process of the new midrange V90 Shiver as we speak. It will feature a very powerful 750cc 90 degree V-twin. Our Aprilia spokesperson, which would not be mentioned by name, said that Aprilia can get 100bhp from the new 750. Knowing Aprilia that’s probably what we will get as well. The new Shiver 750 will be Aprilia’s entry level big bike, but since it will feature a highly tuned performance V-twin, top suspension and brakes, a new aluminium/steel chassis it will be more expensive than the likes of Honda CB600F Hornet and other Japanese competitors. Aprilia will do the press launch in April/March next year and we will be there. At the EICMA show in Milan Aprilia will unveil the final production version for the first time.
Aprilia RSV-R 1000 stays 1000cc at least until 2008
When the new WSBK V4 is ready for launch, the RSV-R 1000 falls back as a sporty track day and road tool with emphasis on torque. We believe Aprilia will tune the V60 for even more torque in the future to satisfy real world road racers. Piaggio have developed a 1150cc V90 as well, but that will not fit the RSV-R that well yet. It develops 130bhp and 120Nm in current trim. For the RSV-R use it needs more than the 140 odd horsepower it has today. Hopefully this will allow for a price reduction as well. By Tor Sagen
2007 Aprilia Tuono R Factory, first official pictures!
Aprilia launched the revamped Tuono R with the latest RSV-R engine last year. Since then we have been waiting for the Factory version with full Ohlins suspension and carbon fibre goodies. Well, here it is with a more powerful V60 engine and a new paint scheme as well. Max power is now 139bhp and 11kgm @ 8.500rpm. The new dry-weight using carbon-fibre belly-pan, mudguards and side panels as well as magnesium parts wherever possible on the engine is 181kg. OZ forged aluminium wheels complements the very capable package. Tuono R Factory is the most hard-core roadster available on the market and the new paint-scheme makes the Tuono R Factory more desirable than ever. The Factory will only be produced in a limited 300 unit run at the Noale factory. TS
2008 Aprilia RS 125 Tuono
In 2006 Aprilia launched its heavily revamped RS125 with all new bodywork and fresh angles. For 2007 it is expected that Aprilia will upgrade its Tuono 125 as well with fresh styling clues from the big Tuono R and RS125. Following tradition the 39bhp 1-cylinder two-stroke will look something like our artists rendition. TS/CG by Robert O'Brien
2008 Aprilia RS1000 V4, gets the Robbiano treatment!
The designer talked exclusively to Raptors & Rocket about his next assignment that also confirms that Aprilia will re-enter the World Superbike championship with a brand new V4 superbike in 2008. Sergio Robbiano started as an apprentice to Massimo Tamburini and helped with the design work on Cagiva Mito that is a carbon copy of the legendary Ducati 916. Many years later he is the man behind Bimota's latest design masterpieces DB5 and DB6 Delirio (pictured right) featuring Ducati engines. Aprilia is a company on the move these days and will launch many new models the next two years. Piaggio has injected all the fresh cash Aprilia needs for the development work. First revolutionary new models were the RXV/SXV with the in-house V-twin that has rocked the Supermotard world in particular. Aprilia will also build its new V4 in-house which means Rotax engines are slowly phased out at least from brand new models. The very clever man that decided to hire Robbiano must be hailed by all fans of both Aprilia and Italian motorcycle design. We can't wait to see it either at the EICMA 2006 or 2007 in Milan. Aprilia means business. Robbiano quoted: "Everything will be old after the Aprilia SBK!" Our designers impression (not Robbiano's) gives a clue as to which direction the V4 design might go. RS1000 V4 pic by Hugo Van Waaijen/Bimota & Robbiano pictures by Tor Sagen/Bimota. Words: Tor Sagen
We will test the new Bimota Delirio DB6 1000 in Italy in May and tests of Aprilia RXV/SXV are here.
Aprilia RS 750-Aprilia attacks the middleweight segment
Aprilia boss Leo Mercanti recently stated that Aprilia will not make a CBR/ZX/R6/GSX-R middleweight. Instead Aprilia will purpose-build a middleweight from scratch much in the same way as BMW did with F800S. Aprilia will continue spending the 100 million Euro investments in developing new models with in-house engineered engines. Right now Aprilia has got a new 750 cc engine on the test bench at the Noale factory. These are endurance tests and as soon as these tests are completed satisfactory the engine is ready to be put into a brand new lightweight chassis that will be equally ground braking as the new engine. Mercanti has also stated in one of the many Aprilia press conferences this year that Aprilia will not only build V-twin engines. Aprilia will build everything from singles, twins, triples to fours (V4). We believe that the new 750 will be a triple to make it stand out in the fairly bland world of middleweights. BMW chose parallel twin and modern design to make the brilliant F800S stand out. With a 750cc triple Aprilia hopes to do the same and the new RS 750 will be a rider’s bike that can do anything reasonably well. Knowing Aprilia’s racing heritage the new 750 will be just as much a sportsbike as a multi purpose tourer with the best chassis, suspension and brake components as standard. As far as power goes it could be anything between 85bhp-110bhp in such a motorcycle. There is also a V-twin developed by Piaggio that can be designed between 750-1000+ cc’s. Apparently both light and powerful. Our Aprilia spokesperson suggested this: “The chassis configuration that the engine (750 & 1200) would use may be of a type that doesn't currently exist, e.g. a superlight 750 multi purpose bike?” Words: Tor Sagen /CG: Robert O’Brien
Aprilia RSV 1200R coming
Right now Aprilia is testing its brand new, in-house developed, 1200cc V-twin engine at the Noale factory. It is actually believed that the new engine is purely built for road use and that the engine will not be used for racing. For World Superbike racing Aprilia is developing a brand new 1000cc V4. But to stay ahead on the roadbike market Aprilia needs a large displacement V-twin to match both Ducati’s imminent 1188R and KTM RC8 1150. So this is the reason we believe also the RSV will benefit from the new engine and eventually the Tuono as well. The current Rotax V60 1000 would not tolerate being enlarged to 1200cc and I see a bye-bye to Rotax on the horizon. Moto Morini and Harley-Davidson were first with a 1200cc performance V-twin in the Corsaro 1200 and V-Rod. The V-twin performance engine seems to be going through a revival period now and 2007 and 2008 will see all these machines hit the roads and racetracks of the world. Aprilia is not developing the new 1200 to be used for racing, so which other new models will receive this engine? Well, first of all the Futura and Caponord has been a bit of a sales flop for Aprilia so to revive these two models they will be the first to receive the new engine along with a softer version of the RSV. From being the top superbike in Aprilia's range the RSV will continue as a sportsbike for the roads where it will find its place somewhere between the Futura 1200 (the new sports tourer might get a new name, but we will go along with Futura for now) and the RS 1000 V4 superbike. Caponord is not a motorcycle Aprilia feels fits to well with its “racy” image and it is heavy and bulky. If Aprilia decides to upgrade it with the new 1200cc V-twin however it would be much more like KTM 990 Adventure than BMW R1200GS. Lighter, more powerful and user friendly. What is important to mention about this new engine is that it is purpose built for the road rather than following strict WSB regulations. Torque will be the most important goal, where RSV 1200R will get the most powerful version of the engine, ETV 1200 would get a version with torque only a big 1200cc V-twin can provide. This story will develop further. By Tor Sagen/CG’s by: Robert O’Brien
Aprilia will continue developing their Off-road range. First out will be a brand new 1-cylinder 250 4-stroke called MXV 250 (surprise!) That model will be aimed at the MX2 championship. Aprilia has also got plans for a larger displacement SXV to bring something into the 650 class. That will also be a V-twin with spectacular and detailed design. This is what we can say with some certainty, however, what do you think of a RS 550 or 1100? In Supermoto guise the SXV 550 develops a hefty 70bhp. That is serious horsepower in such a light chassis and we believe these characteristics could be transferred into a sports bike styled more like the new RS 125. That would truly be a very exciting prospect and one for the track day fanatics. 70bhp and 140kg dry weight could be the numbers. Pic by Hugo van Waaijen
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